Pope Leo XIV met with Ukrainian President Zelenskyy, receiving a Madonna icon painted on an artillery crate as a symbol of Ukraine's plea for peace. Amidst the ongoing war, with at least 250,000 combined casualties, President Trump's administration has declined to pressure Russia for a ceasefire, urging direct negotiations between Zelenskyy and Putin. Pope Leo called for peace and offered to mediate talks at the Vatican. The EU recently sanctioned a Crimean museum for promoting pro-Russian narratives and aiding the war effort. Zelenskyy expressed hope for dialogue leading to concrete results.

Prepared by Rachel Morgan and reviewed by editorial team.